Wide meadows, endless quarry ponds and tranquil villages – the river landscape of the Schwarze Elster is extremely varied and ideal for nature lovers who like to travel off the beaten track.

In this Collection, I'll take you on the Schwarze Elster Cycle Route which runs 200 kilometres (124 mi) from its source in Upper Lusatia to the town of Elster (Elbe), where the Schwarze Elster flows into the Elbe.

The long-distance cycle route is suitable for both experienced and inexperienced cyclists as well as families. You mainly follow fine gravel roads, asphalt cycle paths and quiet side roads through the federal states of Saxony, Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. The landscapes around the Schwarze Elster are relatively flat.

Along the way, you explore pretty villages and exciting sights, such as the legendary Krabat Mill near Hoyerswerda and the miniature park in Elsterwerda. You'll also pass idyllic lakes that are wonderful places to take a dip.

The Schwarze-Elster Cycle Route is only a stone's throw away from Berlin, Leipzig and Dresden. You can reach the starting point in Bischofswerda by regional train from Dresden in about 30 minutes, and the end point in Elster (Elbe) is only 15 minutes by train from Lutherstadt Wittenberg, which has lots of connections for onward travel.

In this Collection, I’ve divided the route into three stages, but you can change them as you like. Ambitious cyclists can cycle the route in one go or two stages, and those who want to take it easy can divide it into four or five stages. There are plenty of places to stay and stop for refreshments and nice campsites along the way too.

So if you’re looking for a short break away from the daily grind, book your train ticket and discover unique Lusatia on the Schwarze-Elster Cycle Route. This quiet and spacious region is an ideal place for switching off and collecting unforgettable memories.